Sultanate of Oman 

Oman is an Arab state in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Sumerian tablets refer to a country called Magan a name believed to refer to Oman's ancient copper mines. It has a strategically important position at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf. In Oman many sites filled with historical buildings like: Sur, Salalah, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Bani Bu Hassan, Al-Qabel, Ibra, Mudhaibi, Nazwa, Al-Hamra, Manah and Birkat Al-Mouz.

Muscat

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a place where tradition meets modernity in a dramatic setting, with mountains on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other.  This attractive city provides a glimpse of all that the country has to offer.  The souk and fish market can be found in Mutrah district while world class shopping malls are located throughout the capital area.  Muscat is world famous for its cleanliness, spacious parks and roadways lined with green lawns and flowers.

Transportation

The main airport is Seeb International Airport (Muscat International Airport), it is located in Wilayt As Seeb, around 25 km from the city's business district of Ruwi and 15 to 20 km from the main residential localities of Al-Khuwair, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Shati Al-Qurm and Al-Qurm. Muscat is one of the three headquarters of Gulf Air and the headquarters for the local Oman Air, both of which fly to several destinations within the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. In addition, Gulf Air flies to select destinations in Europe, Great Britain, North Africa and East Asia. Other airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Swiss International Air Lines, Kuwait Airways, Air India and Thai Airways also fly through Seeb International Airport.

Taxi

Licensed taxis are painted orange and white and do not use meter.  It costs about RO 6 from Seeb International Airport to Muscat.

·         Saud_taxi

        Phone number: +968 96600955, Email: alnwras2004@hotmail.com

·         City Taxi

        Phone number: +968 95103152, Email:  laila.al-harthy@nawras.com.om

·         Imran Taxi

        Phone number: +968 97655409

Buses

Muscat can be reached by bus from Dubai, while there are also bus links from the capital (Muscat) to many other Oman cities like Sur, Salalah, and  Buraimi, operated by Oman National Transport Company (ONTC). They even have buses from Salalah going to Dubai and back.  For detailed information of the buses schedule you may want to visit their website. www.ontcoman.com, Tel: 24490064, 24490601, 02, 03, 04

Email : info@ontcoman.com

Car Rental

Renting a car is probably the most convenient way to see the city of Muscat and its environs. Most signs are clearly written in both Arabic and English.  Major car rental companies are located within Muscat. You can book a car in advance with any of  these  companies to ensure that they are waiting for your arrival.  (http://www.worldexecutive.com) 

Currency

The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR) divided into 1,000 baisa. Notes come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 rials, and 500 and 100 baiza. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus, hotels and at the airport. Outside banking hours, money exchangers operate between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm in the evenings and at weekends. US Dollars are recommended. American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are readily accepted in large shops and hotels and by an increasing number of traders in the souks.

One OMR is equivalent to 2.58 US dollars and 1.81 Euros.

Automated Teller Machines can be found in most major supermarkets, hotels and other locations throughout the country.

Attractions in Oman

Shopping Malls

Moderns shops and traditional souqs (Arab Markets) are located throughout the Sultanate with the largest concentration in the capital area around Muscat.  Traditional crafts include silver and gold jewelry, khunjars, hand-woven textiles, carpets and baskets are available to visitors and bargaining is expected as it is considered part of the culture.  

On the other hand, Muscat has come a long way from the simple old souks to the bustling, ultra modern shopping complexes that have sprung up in the city in recent times.  The shopping malls are mostly situated in Qurum, but the biggest and popular malls are the Muscat City Centre which is located in Seeb and Qurum City Center located in Qurum.

Muscat has a wide variety of shops for your everyday clothing needs.

You may want to visit the malls listed below:

Telecommunications

The most popular telecommunication company in Muscat is the Oman Telecommunication (Omantel), Oman Mobile and Nawras.  Omantel has the monopoly of the landline and internet access markets. Oman Mobile offers mobile services that a client can choose from prepaid to postpaid. The amount available for the prepaid cards/calling cards is RO 1, RO 3, RO 5 and RO 10. Oman Mobile also offers a handy USB modem which can offer customers easy access to the internet.  Similarly, Nawras also offers mobile services and internet access with a USB modem.  The Nawras recharge cards/phone cards are available in denominations of RO 1, RO 2, RO 4 and RO 8.

The offices/branches of the above mentioned companies can be easily found in some shopping malls like Muscat City Center and at the airport for the convenience of customers especially tourists.

Climate

The climate in Oman is characterized by two seasons: winter and summer.  Winter normally starts in November and it lasts till end of February. Summer is between April and October when the weather is hot and humid.  Mild weather is experienced on the mountains and in the Dhofar region all year round, which also enjoys a regular monsoon season between June and October every year.  An ideal time to visit Oman is between October and April with temperatures averaging between 25 and 35 degree Celsius during the day and between 17 and 19 degree Celsius in the evening. 

The month of December is characterized by gradually falling daily high temperatures, with daily highs decreasing from 82°F to 77°F over the course of the month, exceeding 85°F or dropping below 74°Fonly one day in ten.

Daily low temperatures are around 65°F, falling below 59°F or exceeding 71°F only one day in ten.

Embassies in Oman

Emergency numbers

Country Code - (++) 968 (There are no other area codes or city codes)
Emergency Services - 999

Telephone enquiry:  

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